Audi R8: Supercharged mod better than the real thing?

This is achieved via a kit, created by VF-Engineering in California that is loosely billed as providing more than the power of the V10 in the lighter package of the V8.

The headline figures are that the car now has 548bhp at 7500rpm – up 30bhp on the V10, but 12bhp down on the hardcore GT – and 437lb ft of torque at 4800rpm, up from 391lb ft on the standard car and 398lb ft on the GT.

What’s it like?

Somewhat inevitably, very rapid, although it would take a very good, very committed driver to discern how much faster and nimbler (or otherwise) than a V10 engined car it is. What’s clear is that the supercharger achieves its goal of giving the V8 at least V10 levels of performance.

All this extra speed arrives throughout the rev band, without any loss in refinement. That in itself is impressive, and means the supercharged R8 remains as smooth and controllable as the standard car.